How JustAnswer Works:

Experts are full of valuable knowledge and are ready to help with any question. Credentials confirmed by a Fortune 500 verification firm.

Get a Professional Answer

Via email, text message, or notification as you wait on our site.Ask follow up questions if you need to.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Rate the answer you receive.

Ask Joan Your Own Question

Joan, Vet Technician

Category: Pet

Satisfied Customers: 16073

Experience: Vet Tech for 35+yrs. Small Animals and Fish

5071285

Type Your Pet Question Here...

Joan is online now

My almost 2 year old guinea pig, Clair, has developed some

Resolved Question:

My almost 2 year old guinea pig, Clair, has developed some sort of circular limp under her chin. For the past few months, I have noticed her gaining some weight and I thought, for a while, that she was just getting fat, or maturing. But about a week ago I was cutting her nails and noticed this ball. It definitely does not hurt her, as she is generally jittery but allowed me to touch it. The surrounding skin is soft and malleable and I can kind of move the ball around a bit. Its pretty centered right on her neck, under her chin. It does not protrude from the skin or push the hair in any funny direction. Except right in the middle, kind of like a hair part. Again this seems to cause no pain. She eats drinks sleeps and plays as normal. Her temperament and character hasn't changed at all. I should also add, we got a new baby girl guinea pig in January, as her first companion. When I looked back to pictures from January, Clair does not have this ball thing under her chin. I started researching and found all sorts of answers from abscess to cancer to CL to dewlap. I can tell you I have been noticing the fat in that area and her weight in general, increasing steadily for a few months now. I don't think it's something that is fast developing. But I just wanted some professional advice on what you think this may be. Thank you so much.

My name is XXXXX XXXXX I am a Vet tech for 30+ years. Thank-you for requesting me. The area you are describing can be one of several issues. Tooth roots that are infected or impacted in the jaw line can cause a lump which wiyld be an infection. We may be looking at an abscess, a fatty tumor called a lympoma or be may be looking at a tumor. The best thing would be to have Clair into a Vet who is familiar with Guinea Pigs, and have them do a fine needle apirate. This is where they pull some cells from the lump and send them out for analysis. This way they know what type of situation they are dealing with. I will give you a link to locate Guinea Pig Vets: http://www.guinealynx.info/vetlist.html It is very important to have this checked out by the Vet. If it is an infection, they will be able to treat it accordingly with the proper medication and treatment to help Clair. Please let me know if you need further help in this issue. Joan

I see the area under the neck area. It is wise that Clair be seen. It is a quite large an area, but I am sure some is her weight, but if you are feeling something like a ball, then definately have her seen. We always are concerned when we see lumps and bumps and err on the side of caution to rule out anything serious. Joan

I will tell you that...the things you have to go through to be an Expert are quite rigorous.

What Customers are Saying:

I must tell you I found this site by accident and was amazed when I asked a question of the Veteranians online. I wish I could have found it sooner it could have made such a difference in the outcome of my pet's surgery. However, I am passing along the information to my sister-in-law (a cat-rescue person who is also a nurse), and perhaps it will help someone else who may experience the same problem.
The doctor who answered my question was amazing, and while it didn't come it time to change the outcome of my situation, it is reassuring to know the caliber of Vets/Doctors that you have at JustAnswer. Thank you for being there.Alice H.Jacksonville, Fl.

I must tell you I found this site by accident and was amazed when I asked a question of the Veteranians online. I wish I could have found it sooner it could have made such a difference in the outcome of my pet's surgery. However, I am passing along the information to my sister-in-law (a cat-rescue person who is also a nurse), and perhaps it will help someone else who may experience the same problem.
The doctor who answered my question was amazing, and while it didn't come it time to change the outcome of my situation, it is reassuring to know the caliber of Vets/Doctors that you have at JustAnswer. Thank you for being there.Alice H.Jacksonville, Fl.

You are a light at the end of scary tunnel when $ are tight, but people need professional help to turn to for help with their dear pets!LinhCharleston, WV

$1,000 spent at his vet, and I finally get the correct diagnosis from Nancy Holmes for $15CarolCedar Hill, MO

I think this is the greatest web site in the world. Thanks to all!JudyNew Haven, CT

I have referred several friends to your web site. I'm impressed with how easy it is to use your site, the Experts available and the quickness of answers.
NinaUSA

I am completely pleased with the quick response that I received in our time of need for our dog, Jasmine. I couldn't believe how quick the response was and I thank you. It's good to know you're there!!Jasmine's MomUSA

Please let everyone involved with your site know that your Expert, Dr. Lucy, has saved my dog's life. I will recommend your site to all my pet loving friends.
Thank you again for simply being there!Sonya GEasley, SC

Ask a Pet Specialist

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

68 Pet Specialists are Online Now

Type Your Pet Question Here...

characters left:

Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.